Queen Rania’s Statement Disputes Accusations of Hamas Beheading Babies

The Queen Accuses Western Leaders of “Glaring Double Standard” over Gaza Crisis

Queen Rania of Jordan Criticizes Western Response to Humanitarian Situation

Queen Rania of Jordan has condemned the reaction of Western leaders to the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip amid Israel’s war against Hamas. Speaking in an interview with CNN, Queen Rania accused Western leaders of having a “glaring double standard” and failing to call for a ceasefire.

“This is the first time in modern history that there is such human suffering and the world is not even calling for a ceasefire,” Queen Rania said. “The silence is deafening – and to many in our region, it makes the Western world complicit.”

Questioning Western Response

During the interview, Queen Rania was asked about Jordan’s reaction to Hamas‘ recent attack on Israel on October 7. She expressed her shock and stated that her country condemns the killing of any civilians. She emphasized that this is both the moral position of Jordan and the position of Islam.

Queen Rania also disputed claims of children’s beheadings by Hamas that were reported earlier in the war. She pointed out that even CNN had reported Israeli children found butchered in an Israeli kibbutz, but the story hadn’t been independently verified. This highlights the need for careful verification and responsible reporting in conflict situations.

Queen Rania’s Critique of Israel’s Response

Queen Rania criticized what she called the world’s “hyperfixation on Hamas” and emphasized that any country has the right to defend itself, but not through war crimes or collective punishment. She specifically mentioned the indiscriminate bombardment of Gaza as a concerning aspect of Israel’s response to the Hamas attack.

The Queen stressed that the Arab world is shocked by the global media coverage of the war, which portrays the conflict as if it started only on October 7. She argued that this is a 75-year-old story of overwhelming death and displacement for the Palestinian people. Queen Rania described it as a story of occupation under an apartheid regime that demolishes houses, confiscates lands, and conducts military incursions and night raids.

King Abdullah II of Jordan’s Statements

Earlier at the Cairo Summit for Peace, where Israel was not represented, King Abdullah II of Jordan also criticized the international reaction to the war. He stated that the application of international law is optional and that human rights have boundaries that stop at borders, races, and religions. These comments highlight the frustration felt by many in the Arab world towards what they perceive as a lack of international support for the Palestinian cause.

International Response and UNRWA Report

Outside of the Arab and Muslim world, leaders from countries such as China and Russia, as well as traditional Israeli allies, have expressed solidarity with civilians in Gaza and a commitment to peace. U.S. President Joe Biden, for example, announced $100 million in new funding for humanitarian needs in Gaza and the West Bank after securing an aid deal via the Rafah border crossing.

According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), there are currently 600,000 internally displaced people in the Gaza Strip seeking shelter in 150 UNRWA facilities. The Hamas-controlled authorities have reported a death toll in Gaza of over 5,000.

United Nations Security Council Discussions

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) recently discussed a U.S.-drafted resolution on the Israel-Hamas war. The text suggested humanitarian pauses but did not specifically mention a ceasefire.

Editorial: The Complexity of the Gaza Crisis

The Need for Balanced Reporting and Independent Verification

The comments made by Queen Rania highlight the importance of responsible reporting and independent verification in conflict situations. In the midst of a war, it is crucial for journalists and media outlets to thoroughly fact-check their information, especially when it comes to sensitive and potentially inflammatory claims.

Awareness of Historical Context

Queen Rania’s critique of the global media’s fixation on the recent escalation of violence is a reminder that the conflict between Israel and Palestine is not a recent development. It has deep historical roots and is intertwined with issues of occupation, displacement, and human rights violations.

The Role of Western Leaders

The accusation of a “glaring double standard” by Queen Rania raises questions about the role of Western leaders in addressing the Gaza crisis. It is essential for leaders to uphold principles of human rights and international law, ensuring that their reactions are fair and impartial, and not influenced by geopolitical interests or alliances. The Arab world, as well as the international community, expects Western leaders to actively advocate for an end to the violence and the protection of civilian lives.

Advice: Towards Peace and Justice

Promoting Dialogue and Diplomacy

To bring about a sustainable resolution to the Gaza crisis, it is crucial to engage in meaningful dialogue and diplomatic efforts. This includes involving all relevant stakeholders, including Israel, Hamas, and the international community. Negotiations should be based on mutual respect, recognition of human rights, and a commitment to ending the cycle of violence.

Addressing Root Causes of the Conflict

Peace will not be achieved solely through military means. It is necessary to address the underlying causes of the conflict, including the occupation, settlement expansion, the blockade on Gaza, and the lack of a viable political solution. A comprehensive approach that takes into account the aspirations and rights of both Israelis and Palestinians is essential for lasting peace.

Supporting Humanitarian Aid and Rebuilding Efforts

The immediate priority must be to provide humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict, particularly the internally displaced people in Gaza. The international community, including Western leaders, should allocate resources to support the rebuilding of infrastructure, medical facilities, and educational institutions in Gaza to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian population.

Intensifying Diplomatic Pressure

Western leaders should use their influence and diplomatic channels to exert pressure on all parties involved in the conflict. This includes urging Israel to exercise restraint in its military operations and calling on Hamas to cease its attacks on Israeli civilians. By actively promoting dialogue and negotiations, Western leaders can play a vital role in facilitating a peaceful resolution to the Gaza crisis.

In conclusion, the comments made by Queen Rania of Jordan bring attention to the challenges and complexities of the Gaza crisis. It is crucial for media outlets to report responsibly and independently verify sensitive information. Western leaders must carefully consider their actions and reactions, ensuring they are guided by principles of justice, human rights, and international law. By engaging in dialogue, addressing root causes, providing humanitarian aid, and exerting diplomatic pressure, a step towards peace and justice may be achieved in the region.